Lockable Lateral Cam Adjuster for Precise Play-Free Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing precision positioning systems with multiple sliding joints and locking screws face challenges in maintaining stability and eliminating play due to reliance on friction, which can lead to slippage and inefficiencies in three-degree-of-freedom motion.
Innovation Solution
A lockable lateral adjuster mechanism utilizing a cam with an eccentric head and a countersunk interface, combined with a spring-loaded stem, allows for precise lateral adjustment and locking of a platform relative to a base, reducing play and providing stability through conical surfaces and V-groove interactions, enabling three degrees of freedom with a single joint.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If multiple sliding joints with locking screws are used for 3-DOF positioning, then positioning precision is improved, but device complexity and packaging volume increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple sliding joints and locking mechanisms into a single integrated joint with a cam-based lateral adjuster. This single joint provides both positioning and locking functions that previously required separate components, thereby reducing device complexity and packaging volume while maintaining positioning precision through the cam's controlled lateral displacement mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam-based lateral adjuster mechanism serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides lateral positioning adjustment, locking capability, and play elimination in a single integrated component. This multi-functionality replaces what previously required multiple separate joints and locking screws, reducing overall system complexity.
2Stability of the object's composition
If friction-based locking is used, then joint stability is maintained, but wear increases and duration of action decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes the friction-based locking system with a cam-based system that uses geometric constraint and controlled lateral force application. This replacement eliminates the continuous friction contact that causes wear, thereby extending the service life of the joint while maintaining stability through the cam's locking action.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potentially harmful friction-induced wear into a beneficial controlled contact mechanism. The cam profile is designed to concentrate contact forces on hardened surfaces, transforming the distributed friction wear into localized, controllable contact that can be managed through proper material selection and surface treatment, thereby extending service life.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The mechanism achieves precise, stable, and efficient lateral adjustment with reduced wear and packaging volume, allowing for multiple adjustments without inducing high contact stress, and maintains dimensional stability under environmental loads.
Implementation Method 1
A cam has an eccentric head and a stem, the eccentric head being pivotally disposed in the channel and the stem extending through the aperture in the channel and being pivotally disposed in the counter bore, the eccentric head being off-axis with respect to the stem and the platform being laterally displaceable with respect to the base as the cam pivots
Implementation Method 2
a countersunk interface between the eccentric head and the channel
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
A lockable lateral adjuster mechanism comprises a platform (14) with a channel (38) carried by a base (18). A cam (50) has an eccentric head that is pivotally disposed in the channel. The cam has a stem (58) extending through the channel and into a counter bore in the base. The platform is laterally displaceable with respect to the base as the cam pivots. A countersunk interface is disposed between the eccentric head and the channel. A fastener (82) extends through the cam to the base, and secures the cam, and thus the platform, to the base, and applies an axial load on the countersunk interface along an axis of rotation of the cam.